02/09/2004Statement from Hudson Valley Community College Regarding Shooting at Columbia High School

The following is a statement from Hudson Valley Community College regarding the shooting that occurred today (Monday, February 9, 2004) at Columbia High School:

According to college records, the individual charged in connection with the shooting is a student at Hudson Valley Community College.

Disclosure of information from a student's education records is strictly limited by the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. As a result of that law and upon the advice of counsel, only the following information regarding this student can be released:

The college's spring semester began on Tuesday, Jan. 20. A non-matriculated student is a student who has not been accepted for admission to the college, and/or has not enrolled in a specific course of study.

Individuals of any age are eligible to take classes as non-matriculated students at Hudson Valley Community College.

Again, because of federal law, no further information can be disclosed regarding Mr. Romano's status at Hudson Valley Community College. Any additional questions regarding the case or Mr. Romano should be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agency.